YouTube Channel Strategy & Optimization Lead

Disney Cruise Line - The Walt Disney Company; New York, Northern (NY, KY); Hybrid; Confidential; Full time

Job summary

The Walt Disney Company’s National Geographic Programming Strategy team seeks a Programming Strategist to lead day-to-day management and optimization of National Geographic’s YouTube channels, including flagship and subsidiary initiatives, to drive content execution, publishing, and performance growth.

You will partner with Programming, Operations, Production, Marketing, and Digital teams to implement platform best practices, analyze YouTube data, refine thumbnails and titles, and ensure

Qualifications

• 3+ years managing and growing a major legacy brand’s YouTube channel.
• YouTube certification preferred.
• Established editorial voice with proven experience supporting a globally recognized media brand.
• Expertise in digital content optimization, monetization, YouTube Studio/Analytics, SEO and/or copywriting.
• Ability to translate complex trends into actionable content strategies and collaborate effectively with creative teams.
• Experience working within established brand guidelines, including maintaining tone, visual style, and messaging consistency across content.
• Highly organized with meticulous attention to detail.
• Proficiency in both Mac and PC environments; adept at Adobe Creative Suite and collaboration tools.
• Candidates must live within a reasonable commuting distance of the 7 Hudson Square office in New York City; onsite four days per week.

Responsibilities

• Content Production & Execution: Optimize metadata, thumbnails, and upload details for timely delivery.
• Channel Operations & Maintenance: Manage homepage curation, playlists, and metadata updates; troubleshoot issues with partners.
• Performance Monitoring & Optimization: Track views, watch time, CTR, and retention; apply insights to formats and thumbnails.
• Content Optimization & Platform Best Practices: Implement YouTube best practices and test new features.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Partner with Programming, Operations, Production, Marketing, and Digital teams.
• Audience & Platform Insights: Monitor trends and share observations to inform strategy.
• Platform Operations & Monetization Support: Support fingerprinting, content claims, monetization, geo-filtering; Shorts/Live features.

Skills

YouTube channel management

Editorial voice

Content optimization

SEO & copywriting

Communication skills

Organization & attention to detail

Mac/PC proficient

Spanish language (preferred)

Education

Bachelor’s degree in a media-related field

Tools

Adobe Photoshop

Adobe Premiere

Airtable

Microsoft Office

Teams

Google Workspace

Job description

The Walt Disney Company’s National Geographic Programming Strategy team seeks a Programming Strategist to lead day-to-day management and optimization of National Geographic’s YouTube channels, including flagship and subsidiary initiatives, to drive content execution, publishing, and performance growth.

You will partner with Programming, Operations, Production, Marketing, and Digital teams to implement platform best practices, analyze YouTube data, refine thumbnails and titles, and ensure